TED Talks Daily: Sunday Pick — Unsolicited Advice: How to Get Your Mojo Back at Work | Fixable

Release Date: July 27, 2025

In this episode of TED Talks Daily, host Elise Hu introduces a special installment from the TED Audio Collective—the podcast Fixable. Titled "Unsolicited Advice: How to Get Your Mojo Back at Work," this episode delves into overcoming workplace burnout, reclaiming energy, and reigniting passion in professional settings. Hosted by Anne Morris, a company builder and leadership coach, and Frances Fry, a Harvard Business School professor, the discussion offers actionable insights to help listeners transform their work experiences.

Introduction: Setting the Stage for Renewal

Anne Morris and Frances Fry open the episode by acknowledging the mid-year point and the importance of preparing for a summer break. They emphasize the episode's focus on addressing feelings of being overwhelmed, uninspired, or burned out at work. The hosts outline their goal: to provide unsolicited advice on recovering from constant stress, harnessing personal energy, and fostering an engaging work environment.

Part One: Understanding and Combating Exhaustion

Defining Exhausted Mediocrity

At [08:42], Anne introduces the concept of "exhausted mediocrity," a state where individuals feel both stressed and bored, without seeing meaningful progress or rewards for their efforts. Frances Fry references Adam Grant's term "languishing," describing a pervasive sense of being stuck without growth or satisfaction.

Notable Quote:

"It's a mix of feeling both stressed and bored at the same time... an experience where our nervous systems are jacked up, but we're not getting any payoff for it." — Anne Morris [08:42]

Root Causes of Workplace Exhaustion

Frances attributes much of workplace exhaustion to the "always on" culture, a concept explored in Leslie Perlow's research. This culture demands constant availability, leading to diminished individual performance and heightened burnout.

Notable Quote:

"We're never outrunning the lion. We're never bringing down the woolly mammoth. We are just in this state of activity without any return." — Anne Morris [09:33]

Strategies for Recovery: Intentional Disconnection

The hosts advocate for intentional disconnection as a remedy. Frances emphasizes the importance of scheduling time off for individuals within a team to ensure sustained performance.

Notable Quote:

"Being deeply disciplined about putting the phone away... rest and recover as much as training is essential for sustainable excellence." — Anne Morris [13:29]

They discuss practical approaches:

• Scheduled Time Off: Ensuring each team member has designated periods to disconnect.
• Reducing Emotional Contagion: Limiting exposure to negative emotions by either reducing interactions or accommodating them without internalizing the stress.

Notable Quote:

"You either reduce the amount that you let other people's emotions influence you by limiting your interaction with other people... Or you accommodate it in a way that doesn't drain your energy." — Frances Fry [17:09]

Part Two: Replacing Exhaustion with Ambition

Rediscovering Passion and Purpose

Anne introduces a transformative quote by Howard Thurman:

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because the world needs people who have come alive." — Anne Morris [23:11]

This sets the stage for discussing how to reignite passion at work.

Identifying Personal Passions

Frances suggests an anthropological approach to self-discovery:

• Observe Interests: Pay attention to what naturally captivates you—what articles you linger on, which videos you watch, and what activities you pursue in your downtime.
• Non-Judgmental Exploration: Encourage a judgment-free observation to uncover genuine interests and passions.

Notable Quote:

"Be an anthropologist about yourself and just float around beside them and notice where you stop and dwell... Be judgment free." — Frances Fry [27:21]

Anne shares a personal anecdote about winning a Starbucks quote contest, highlighting how unexpected passions can lead to significant personal and professional developments.

Embracing Ambition and Mission

The conversation shifts to the importance of having a mission—a purpose bigger than oneself. Frances challenges the contemporary notion that passion is overrated, asserting that passion is, in fact, crucial for feeling alive and achieving excellence.

Notable Quote:

"The more ambitious you are, the more you will achieve. Ambition is our friend." — Frances Fry [36:50]

They emphasize dreaming big and setting lofty goals as catalysts for personal growth and workplace engagement.

Balancing Macro and Micro Needs

Anne and Frances discuss the necessity of addressing both macro (big-picture mission) and micro (daily personal needs) aspects to create a fulfilling work experience.

Notable Quote:

"Naming, naming, owning, solving for your micro needs at work… it's about without judgment because this is another inside job without self-judgment." — Anne Morris [34:16]

Frances underscores the importance of maintaining variety and mastering skills without falling into boredom or stagnation.

Conclusion: Taking Action and Dreaming Big

The episode culminates with a call to action—encouraging listeners to start pursuing their ambitions immediately rather than delaying. Frances shares her preference for prompt action ("How about now?") over extended planning periods, highlighting the benefits of immediate engagement over procrastination.

Notable Quote:

"The more ambitious you are, the more you will achieve... Don't start with a small thing, add a zero." — Frances Fry [36:50]

Anne echoes this sentiment by referencing Peter Drucker’s observation on long-term goal setting, suggesting that ambitious dreams can unlock significant energy and drive.

Takeaway Mantra:

"To get started on Dreaming Big." — Anne Morris [41:53]

Final Thoughts

Anne Morris and Frances Fry conclude by encouraging listeners to take intentional steps toward rest and renewal over the summer break. They remind their audience to reach out with workplace issues and participate in creating meaningful change both individually and within their organizations.

Notable Quote:

"There is just tremendous power to being in motion." — Anne Morris [41:15]

By addressing both exhaustion and ambition, this episode of Fixable provides a comprehensive roadmap for professionals seeking to rejuvenate their work lives and achieve sustained fulfillment.

For more insights and episodes from the TED Audio Collective, visit audiocollective.ted.com. If you’re facing workplace challenges, leave a voicemail at 234-349-2253 or email us@fixableed.com.